About MHRI

MHRI was founded in 2004 by Heartland Alliance Health, with support and involvement from a number of service and policy organizations.

MHRI currently receives funding from The Chicago Community Trust to provide training and technical assistance to Chicago area permanent supportive housing providers who are committed to adopting a Housing First approach that is based on the philosophy and practice of harm reduction. Staff also collaborate with researchers from the Center for Urban Research and Learning at Loyola and at Indiana University who are studying the effects of harm reduction housing on homelessness, mental health, and substance use.

Finally, MHRI is available to create trainings and technical assistance tailored to meet the needs of agencies and their staff and participants. Select the services tab for more information.

Mission

To increase understanding of the harm reduction philosophy

To help individuals, organizations and systems build the skills necessary to implement harm reduction strategies

To strengthen harm reduction leadership across a diversity of disciplines and communities

To develop an awareness of and strategies to address the attitudes that contribute to discrimination against drug users and other marginalized groups

Heartland Alliance

Heartland Alliance believes that all of us deserve the opportunity to improve our lives. Each year, we help ensure this opportunity for more than one million people around the world who are homeless, living in poverty, or seeking safety. Our policy efforts strengthen communities; our comprehensive services empower those we serve to rebuild and transform their lives. Learn more about Heartland Alliance.